The Reel Corner Movie Reviews

The new lobby renovation to Park Plaza Theater has a REEL CORNER effect. The cozy cushioned-filled section called the "Par le Vous CafÈ" is where film enthusiasts gather, especially every Thursday evening at 6:45 p.m., to talk movies. It's the perfect atmosphere for after-movie chats. Come join in the fun, give your critique of the featured movies and meet others who share your same interest... FILMS!

RANGO
Animated. Voices of Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Ned Beatty, Bill Nighy, Alfred Molina. Directed by Gore Verbinski
Rated PG

What made this computer-animated western so appealing to this adult was its clever, and not so subtle, shout-outs to legendary characters. The shifty Mayor Tortoise has an uncanny resemblance to John Houston's character in Chinatown. The rattle snake's similarity to Lee Van Cleff from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and The Spirit of the West with voice, mannerisms and a golf cart full of Oscars to Clint Eastwood is a hoot. There is also a Hunter Thompson reference or two (ode to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas).

After a while, I started to look for other character placements, forgetting to follow the story... which by the way was also very similar in content to the "where is the water going?" dilemma in the classic Chinatown. Neither Rango nor any of the other characters are very loveable; I feel they might be a little scary to children under eight-years-old. And the color tones of the film are faded and dusty, like old western towns. But even though Rango is not a cuddly type of hero, you want him to be a winner in the end. (3 stars)


THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU
Matt Damon, Emily Blunt
Directed by George Nilfi
Rated PG-13

Do you ever wonder about your life plan? Do you believe in free will? Do you think encounters and meetings happen by chance, or are planned by a higher power? The Adjustment Bureau tests these theories. Based on a 1954 short story called "The Adjustment Team", it is a parable of metaphysical science fiction mind control. David Norris (Damon) meets Elise (Blunt) in a hotel men's room, just as he is preparing his concession speech. He lost a state senate seat because of last minute revaluation of a not so appropriate photo of him at a fraternity party. Their meeting was magical, but was it by chance? The effect Elise had on him affected his concession speech to the point that three years later, when he was up for a senate seat again, he had more support and higher ratings than ever.

Then, one morning he stepped into an office and saw something he shouldn't have. He sees everyone in the office has been literally frozen. His colleague is being worked on by men in fedoras and dark suits... without giving too much away, let's just say these men control things, a lot of things. It's a thriller without being creepy and sinister. The heart of the movie is just that, the heart, or the romance which grounds the film. Damon and Blunt have the chemistry and solid acting to make this film a good start to the 2011 movie entries.(3 stars)

Margie's Music Mix

April Mix 2011: R&B

1. The World (Is Going Up in Flames) - Charles Bradley
                                                              & Menahan Street Band
2. I Put a Spell On You - Jeff Beck (with Joss Stone)
3. Everlasting Light - The Black Keys
4. You Are Not Alone - Mavis Staples
5. Buttercup - Lucinda Williams
6. Morning Song - The Black Crowes
7. Our Hearts Are Wrong- Jessica Lea Mayfield
8. Summit - Rudresh Mahanthappa and Bunky Green
9. Short and Sweet - Esperanza Spalding
10. Babyfather - Sade
11. Rollerblades - Eliza Doolittles
12. Forget You - Cee Lo Green
13. Hey Ya! - OutKast
14. Tightrope - Janelle Monae (with Big Boi)
15. Comin' and Goin' - Jimmie Vaughan
16. Endlessly - Duffy
17. Video (Main) - India Arie
18. You Make Me Smile - Aloe Blacc
19. Ridin' Solo - Jason Derulo

In this mix, you will find a soulful set from deep in the heart, compiled from both the rhythm & blues and smooth jazz genres. Check out the old style soul sound of "The World" by Charles Bradley. Lucinda Williams sounds like she's really been there and back with "Buttercup" and another tough sister's groove with Jessica Lea Mayfield's "Our Heart's Are Wrong".  It's so easy to just sit back and relax to the smooth jazz sounds of Rudresh Mohanthappa and Bunky Green and Esperanza Spalding.  This is one of those mixes that makes for a perfect accompaniment as a backdrop at a dinner party or a happy gathering sitting on the back deck. Happy listening!

Margie Howiler is a self-taught music aficionado. She has a true knack of being ahead of the trends. Margie loves to listen to off-the-beaten-path music and introduce it to others.To email Margie, write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

All of these songs are available at iTunes or your favorite music downloading site.